This week, the COP 17 talks on the Kyoto Protocol are opening in Durban, South Africa, and as a result there is much more ado about climate change in the media. Sierra Club's Polling and Research Strategist summarizes some of the most important developments in her newsletter.

Earlier this month, the International Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) released a special report examining the link between extreme weather events and global climate change. The IPPC says it is "likely" (a 66% to 100% probability) that the increased frequency of extreme weather events is a result of greenhouse gas emissions from human activity – including coal-fired power plants, fuels burned for transportation, and deforestation.

Polling data by the Yale Project on Climate Change Communication and George Mason University indicate that 70% of Americans say that "global warming" should be a very high, high, or medium priority for the President and Congress - including 44% of Republicans, 72% of Independents, and 85% of Democrats.

So why are the deniers getting so much traction? And why haven't progressives been able to harness the overwhelming consensus into a new paradigm? Naomi Klein explores this in her must-read article in The Nation this week.

In other carbon news, the Minneapolis Star Tribune reports that a Electric Membership Coop's brand new coal-fired power plant is shutting down before it put its first kilowatt hour on the grid. Coal is simply too expensive.

Quick Links

The Georgia Chapter is sponsoring this year's Atlanta Green Drinks holiday party: A Year in Green! Please join us on Thursday, December 15, from 7-11 p.m. Click here for more information and to RSVP!

Sierra Club's Inner City Outings program works to bring kids that otherwise wouldn't have a chance to Georgia's special places. To make it happen, they need to rent vans, buy lunches, conduct trainings, and carry insurance. Most of the funding to support this program comes from the annual Giftwrapping at REI! By signing up for a shift, you will support bringing kids to the great outdoors. Shifts are available from December 16 through 24 at Perimeter and Clairmont. Click the link to email the volunteer coordinator for each location!

Coosa River Basin Inititive Seeks Program Coordinator

Non-profit river protection group seeks energetic, self-motivated river advocate and educator to serve as Program Coordinator in North America's most biologically diverse river basin. Program Coordinator is responsible for CRBI’s education, water monitoring and restoration programs and assists Executive Director with advocacy projects. Applicants must exhibit strong knowledge of state and federal clean water laws as well as excellent verbal and written communication skills. Click here for the details.

John Muir, Nature's Beloved Son - Through December 4

Atlanta History Center will host the traveling exhibition Nature's Beloved Son: Rediscovering John Muir's Botanical Legacy traces his travels to Canada, Indiana, the American southeast, California, and Alaska, presenting vivid images and specimens of the actual plants that Muir held in his hands, carried in his pockets, and preserved for all time.

Sierra Club 101 - December 10

You
got on our mailing list because you care about the environment and want
help -- now what? Sierra Club 101! Come learn about the Sierra Club
and how to get involved in our local efforts. Open to members and
non-members alike -- bring a friend! Breakfast and coffee provided. December 10, 10:30 a.m.- 12 p.m. Register online by clicking here.

Interested in reading more?If you have missed an issue of Footnotes Online you can view them in our archive by clicking here. You can also sign up for alerts in order to take action at times when we need decision makers to hear from you. We need your help!